Kokomo police on the hunt for man suspected of deadly beating

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KOKOMO, Ind (Oct. 5, 2015)-- Police in Kokomo are on the hunt for a man suspected of brutally beating and killing another man.

Diamonty Newman, 18, is accused of beating and killing Derrick Morris, 44, at a home in the 1400 block of Cadillac Drive East in the early hours of September 11.

Police responded to the house around 3:40 p.m. and determined that Newman might be responsible for the attack.

"When I go see my brother's grave is when it hits me," said Morris' sister, Jeanean Gassoway.

Gassoway and her family are pleading for anyone with information to come forward and provide it to police.

"I'm upset because my brother is six-feet under and he [Newman] is out here running and people are hiding him," said Gassoway.

"I will never rest until this boy is caught," said Morris' mother, Delores Pendergrass.

"A warrant was issued for his arrest for the charges of aggravated battery and voluntary manslaughter," said Major Brian Seldon with the Kokomo Police Department.

According to police, Morris was taken to St. Vincent Hospital of Kokomo and then moved to an Indianapolis hospital due the severity of the injuries. He died on September 14.

"My heart is broken. It was my son," said Pendergrass.

In May 2015, Kokomo police were called to the house on Cadillac Drive where Morris was allegedly beaten.

According to police reports, Newman was arrested in May for visiting a common nuisance and others were cited on drug charges​.

"Right now we believe the motive might be over some type of debt or some money that was taken from Mr. Newman," said Seldon.

"Speak up and let's get this guy. This is wrong... let's get him off the streets and let's put him where he needs to be. He's a bad guy and he needs to be locked up," said Gassoway

Kokomo police believe Newman is still in the area but he may have attempted to alter his appearance by cutting his braids. If you have any information on his whereabouts you are asked to call police or 262-TIPS anonymously.